The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) reminds boaters to exercise caution and practice safe boating during the holiday weekend.
Navigation Lock Operations
SFWMD maintains 11 navigation locks along the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee. It takes approximately 15 minutes to lock through most structures and the service is free to boaters. Locking is only permitted during normal operating hours.
Boaters and residents should exercise caution throughout the Kissimmee River (C-38 Canal), Istokpoga Canal, and nearby waterbodies due to low water level conditions. Portions of these waterways may be unpassable due to shoaling and other obstructions exposed by low water levels. Boaters are advised to travel at reduced speeds in these areas.
The Istokpoga Canal Power Boat Ramp is not usable for the launching of boats. The Istokpoga Canal Airboat Ramp remains operational and is available for use.
The G36 Boat Lock, also known as the Henry Creek Boat Lock, in Okeechobee County is now open. The lock was temporarily closed for maintenance. All other navigational locks maintained by the South Florida Water Management District remain operational.
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) plans to close the following boat locks today, Friday, June 3, to ensure public safety as Potential Tropical Cyclone One impacts portions of southern and central Florida this weekend.
All locks will re-open once they are deemed safe for public access.
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, Fla. - The Taylor Creek S-193 Boat Lock on Lake Okeechobee's North Shore will reopen to navigation starting Friday, May 6. The lock had been temporarily closed since April 18 for maintenance.
Anglers and boaters may also access local waterways from several access points through public boat ramps. Visit FWC’s Boat Ramp Finder to find one near you.
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, Fla. - The Taylor Creek S-193 Boat Lock on Lake Okeechobee's North Shore will be temporarily closed to navigation starting today Monday, April 18 - Friday, May 6, 2022 for maintenance. Other boat locks maintained by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will remain open during these days.
OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, Fla. - The Taylor Creek S-193 Boat Lock on Lake Okeechobee's North Shore will be temporarily closed to navigation April 18-May 6, 2022 for maintenance. Other boat locks maintained by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will remain open during these days.
Anglers and boaters may also access local waterways from several access points through public boat ramps. Visit FWC’s Boat Ramp Finder to find one near you.
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - The Southport Canal, also known as the C-35 Canal, and the S-61 Boat Lock is expected to be reopened by Jan. 28. The canal has been closed for maintenance work. The canal stretches between Cypress Lake and Lake Tohopekaliga.
Boaters are reminded to use extreme caution and follow state statutes when operating vessels near the construction area. Under state law, a person may not operate a vessel faster than slow speed and minimum wake within 300 feet of a construction vessel or barge when that vessel is displaying an orange flag.
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - The temporary closure of the Southport Canal, also known as the C-35 Canal, has been extended in order to complete ongoing maintenance work. The canal stretches between Cypress Lake and Lake Tohopekaliga. The S-61 Boat Lock remains closed to public access at this time. Both the canal and boat lock are expected to remain closed until Jan. 28.
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - The temporary closure of the Southport Canal, also known as the C-35 Canal, has been extended in order to complete ongoing maintenance work. The canal stretches between Cypress Lake and Lake Tohopekaliga. The S-61 Boat Lock will also be closed to public access during this time. The canal and boat lock are expected to remain closed until Jan. 15, 2022.
